If you use DM2 (
http://dm2.sourceforge.net/) you can minimize any window to the area next to the clock on your taskbar. If you then toggle that window to "always hidden" in the options of the taskbar, the window will be hidden unless you press the arrow button to reveal hidden processes.
I hope this makes sense.
DM2 also gives you 2-4 desktop areas between which you can switch around, like in linux. You could restrict your flight simulator window to desktop 2 and have wikipedia open on desktop 1. If someone approaches you you just switch to your work desktop.
R'as
Bookmarks